Training device

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a training device for stimulating and training the locomotor system of a person. Said training device comprises a pivotable seesaw ( 16 ) that supports the person and that pivots in relation to a seesaw stand ( 19, 20, 21, 22 ), a drive device comprising at least one motor ( 2 ) and a gearing comprising gearing elements ( 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14 ′). Said gearing elements ( 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 14 ′) form at least one power-transmission chain between the seesaw ( 16 ) and the motor ( 2 ) and at least one gearing element ( 14, 14′, 29 ) is elastically connected to the seesaw ( 16 ) or to a lifting element ( 28 ) that is securely fixed to the seesaw ( 16 ). The invention also relates to a training device in which the seesaw ( 16 ) is elastically held in relation to the seesaw stand ( 19, 20, 21, 22 ).

The invention relates to a training apparatus for the stimulation and training of the locomotor system of a person, comprising a seesaw supporting the person and pivotable with respect to a seesaw stand, and also a drive assembly with at least one motor and a transmission unit having transmission elements, wherein the transmission elements form at least one power-transmission chain between the seesaw and the motor.

A training apparatus of this type is known from EP 0 929 284 B1, wherein a seesaw, on which the training person stands with both legs, is driven by an electric motor which is in driving connection with two lifting devices arranged on either side of the seesaw axis. As a result of the provision of two lifting devices the drive unit has two power-transmission chains which extend in opposition to one another from the motor disposed below the seesaw axis and operate synchronously to one another but counter-rotating, i.e. act in opposed mode on the seesaw. Such a drive unit is altogether relatively complicated and is therefore expensive. In operation it is necessary for the two lifting devices to be accurately matched to one another to ensure that they operate precisely in counter-rotation and in alternation, and it is thus possible to achieve a uniform pivoting operation of the seesaw without inner distortion and excessive bearing loads. Moreover, owing to the articulated but otherwise rigid drive of the seesaw without play, an intermittent power transfer acts on the seesaw, which particularly at high lifting frequencies is not especially considerate with respect to the joints of the person being trained.

In the known training apparatus the seesaw is mounted without play on bearing blocks fixed to a frame so that the seesaw always carries out the same seesaw movements, i.e. reciprocating pivoting movements about a well-defined spatially located pivot axis. It is only possible to vary the frequency of the seesaw motion by setting a desired lifting frequency by means of a control device.

It is the object of the invention to devise a training apparatus, which makes possible a power transfer into the seesaw which is considerate with respect to joints, wherein a more simple construction with its associated cost savings in respect of production and maintenance is to be taken into account.

This object is achieved in that at least one transmission element is elastically connected to the seesaw or to a lever element securely connected to the seesaw.

Such an elastic connection damps in an advantageous manner shocks or impacts occurring at the bottom or top dead-centre position of the pivoting movement. It is thereby possible for the seesaw to be operated in a manner considerate to joints. Moreover, owing to such an elastic connection it is possible to dispense with a pivot bearing, which is both expensive and subject to wear, for coupling the power-transmission chain to the seesaw or to the lever element.

It is proposed that the elastic connection is such that the transmission element has at least two different degrees of freedom of elastic movement relative to the seesaw or to the lever element. Preferably, the elastic connection is such that the transmission element has at least one degree of freedom of elastic pivotal movement relative to the seesaw or to the lever element.

With regard to the already mentioned damping of shocks, in particular an elastic connection is proposed such that the transmission element has at least one degree of freedom of elastic movement in the power-transmission direction, in particular for the cushioning of the pivoting movement imparted to the seesaw in operation via the power-transmission chain, in particular at the movement direction reversal points.

Accordingly, both cost advantages and important advantages for the user are provided, namely the seesaw motion is carried out in a manner which is more considerate to the joints and more suitable for the body, with correspondingly especially high therapeutic benefits.

In a further development it is proposed that for the elastic connection there is provided at least one leaf-spring element which makes possible relative pivotability between the seesaw and the transmission element and/or a cushioning of the pivoting movement imparted to the seesaw in operation, in particular at the movement direction reversal points thereof. It is especially preferable here that at least one leaf-spring element is itself a transmission element of the power-transmission chain, via which driving forces can be transmitted to the seesaw.

Such a leaf-spring element has the advantage that it makes possible the desired elastic mounting and damping of shocks but in which sufficient stability is provided in order to enable the driving forces to be transmitted to the seesaw.

According to an especially advantageous development it is proposed that for the elastic connection at least two leaf-spring elements are provided, which are connected in series in the power transmission chain and which can be deflected elastically in different directions which are preferably orthogonal to one another. An especially effective damping action can thus be achieved.

However, in a further development but also independently it is proposed that the seesaw is mounted elastically relative to the seesaw stand.

Such a mounting is constructionally simpler and less liable to wear compared to a pivot joint mounting known from the state of the art. Moreover, as a result of the elastic mounting, in addition to the pivoting movement component, further movement components superimposed on the pivoting movement component are induced which have the result that the seesaw carries out small irregular movements. Such a movement pattern, which has as principal component the pivoting movement and further components in different spatial directions, above all preferably also a translational movement component of the seesaw in deflection direction of a leaf-spring element assembly possibly coming into consideration advantageously acts on a training effect of the person using the seesaw, since the person's body cannot adjust to a regularly repeating movement pattern, such as is the case for example in the seesaw apparatus known from the state of the art. The movement pattern induced by the elastic mounting of the seesaw also does not have a clearly definable effective pivot axis but in the course of the movement to a certain extent a plurality of temporary movable axes are developed, about which respective temporary partial pivoting movements of the seesaw are carried out. In certain circumstances, no effective pivot axis can be identified at all but the pivoting movement results solely from a spatially distributed deflection/deformation of the leaf-spring element assembly under discussion here.

In particular, it is considered that the elastic mounting of the seesaw is such that the seesaw has at least two, preferably at least three, different degrees of freedom of elastic movement relative to the seesaw stand.

Preferably, the elastic mounting is such that the seesaw has at least one degree of freedom of elastic pivoting movement relative to the seesaw stand. Therefore, a pivot bearing which is liable to wear and is expensive can be replaced by a constructionally per se very simple measure, as already mentioned.

It is further proposed that the elastic connection is such that the seesaw has at least one degree of freedom of elastic movement in a longitudinal direction of the seesaw relative to the seesaw stand, in particular so as to make possible a translational seesaw movement superimposed on the pivoting movement of the seesaw. This results in the just mentioned additional movement component which is superimposed on the pivoting movement and is very advantageous therapeutically. The seesaw no longer moves up and down strictly according to a predetermined pivoting movement pattern but can also move in its longitudinal direction (to the right and left). This additional movement is dependent on various influences, such as weight, practice and constitution of the training person, etc. This results in undefined oscillations and additional movements which are superimposed on the lifting movement or the pivoting movement. It has been found that the body reacts very strongly and positively on such a training, since an accustomising effect is obviated or is at least reduced to a very considerable extent.

Especially preferable is a translational movement of the seesaw relative to the seesaw stand such that one point on a seesaw end, which is moving up and down during the pivoting movement according to a maximum movement travel, moves at least approximately on a path corresponding to a horizontal figure of eight. Such a movement path of the seesaw movement superimposed on the pivoting movement appears to have especially good therapeutic effectiveness. In any case in oriental medicine a horizontal figure of eight is a significant and very positively regarded symbol which stand for powerful and positive effects on humans.

Moreover, the elastic connection is preferred in such a way that the seesaw has at least one degree of freedom of elastic movement in a vertical direction of the training apparatus relative to the seesaw stands, in particular for cushioning the pivoting movement imparted to the seesaw in operation, in particular at its movement direction reversal points. Such cushioning is considerate to the joints and assists the therapeutic effect, as already mentioned with respect to the elastic connection of the transmission element to the seesaw or to the lever element.

Tests with patients and experts have shown that the apparatus according to the invention with the elastic seesaw mounting and the elastic connection of the power-transmission chain feels very much more harmonic and gentler than the apparatus according to the state of the art without such elasticities.

It is specially proposed that for the elastic mounting at least one leaf-spring element is provided which ensures a possibility of relative pivoting movement between the seesaw and the seesaw stand and/or a possibility of translational movement of the seesaw in its longitudinal direction relative to the seesaw stand and/or a possibility of movement of the seesaw relative to the seesaw stand in a/the vertical direction of the training apparatus.

It is especially preferred here if the at least one leaf-spring element is retained on the seesaw side and on the stand side and the possibility of pivoting movement of the seesaw relative to the seesaw stand is provided by a bending or torsional deflection of the leaf-spring element. However, it is more generally proposed that the at least one leaf-spring element is retained on the seesaw side and on the stand side and the possibility of pivoting movement and/or of translational movement and/or of movement in the vertical direction of the seesaw relative to the seesaw stand is effected by a deflection of the leaf-spring element or at least one of a plurality of leaf-spring elements, in particular a bending or torsional deflection of the leaf-spring element or of the respective leaf-spring element in respect of the possibility of pivoting movement and, in particular, bending deflection of the leaf-spring element or of the respective leaf-spring element in respect of the possibility of translational movement or the possibility of movement in a vertical direction.

In an especially advantageous manner for the elastic mounting at least two series-connected leaf-spring elements can be provided which can be elastically deflected in different directions which are preferably orthogonal to one another so that, on the one hand, especially good damping and, on the other hand, a pronounced possibility of additional movement superimposed on the pivoting movement is achieved.

Since the bending or torsional deflection is variable depending on the dimensions and material characteristics of the leaf-spring element and also depending on the loads acting on the seesaw, even small alterations in the position of the person's feet and/or variations in the lifting height or lifting frequency of the seesaw result in a varied movement pattern so that the advantages already described above are achieved in an especially effective manner. However, it is to be noted that it is also possible for other spring elements to be considered so as to achieve corresponding advantages and effects.

In order to make possible the elastic mounting of the seesaw it is proposed that the seesaw stand is designed to have a support extending transversely to and under the seesaw, wherein it is preferable that along the support a single leaf-spring element or a plurality of mutually separate leaf-spring elements is/are clamped on the underside of the seesaw and on the support. The support can be retained rigidly on a stand assembly of the seesaw stand and, to this extent, may be considered to be part of the seesaw stand.

However, according to an advantageous variant it is provided for the mounting of the seesaw to comprise a support which extends transversely to and under the seesaw, and which is preferably retained elastically on a stand assembly of the seesaw stand. Such a support may be considered to be part of the elastic mounting of the seesaw on the seesaw stand and, for example, can be retained on the stand assembly by means of at least one leaf-spring element which can preferably be deflected in a vertical direction. In this case too, it is preferable that a single leaf-spring element or a plurality of leaf-spring elements separate from another is/are clamped along the support on the underside of the seesaw and on the support. Accordingly, a single leaf-spring element or a plurality of separate leaf-spring elements can be clamped, on the one hand, on the support and, on the other hand, on the stand assembly. It is also possible to provide two leaf-spring elements arranged on different sides of the support or two leaf-spring element groups arranged on different sides of the support.

The mounting, optionally clamping, of the leaf-spring element or the respective leaf-spring element is preferably effected in a positive-engagement manner with the transmission element or with the seesaw or with the support or the seesaw or the stand assembly. Advantageously, it is also possible to provide an adhesive or cohesive connection, for example by welding, bonding or the like. A mounting of this type is clearly simpler and more economical to build compared with a swivel joint arrangement with a seesaw shaft mounted therein. Moreover, such a mounting of the seesaw and also the already described elastic connection of the transmission element to the seesaw or to a lever element securely connected to the seesaw does not require any expensive maintenance, in particular it does not require lubrication.

The leaf-spring element for the elastic connection of the at least one transmission element and/or for the elastic mounting of the seesaw is preferably produced from metal, in particular from steel.

The leaf-spring element between the transmission element and the seesaw or lever element or between the seesaw and seesaw stand or support can in this case be of length of approximately 1.0 to 3.0 cm, preferably approximately 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Preferably the leaf-spring element is designed with a material thickness of <5.0 mm, preferably approximately 1.5 mm. Depending on the type and configuration, the leaf-spring element can be formed by a spring steel plate.

Of course, the dimensions mentioned here can also be adapted to other materials under consideration, so as to enable the desired mounting of the seesaw or connection of the transmission element to be achieved.

It is also possible to use, instead of a leaf-spring element in particular made of metal, a different elastic element, for example made of plastics material, rubber or the like as connection element or mounting element, wherein the dimensions of such an elastic element have to be chosen in accordance with the desired modes of operation of the seesaw. Such an elastic element made of plastics material, rubber or the like can be provided in particular as a mounting for the seesaw on the support securely connected to the seesaw stand, since substantially static forces act on this mounting, which exhibit only small dynamic force components during the movement of the seesaw.

The elastically connected transmission element may be a push rod/tie rod which, with respect to the power-transmission chain, is connected in an articulated manner at its end nearest the motor to a transmission element in the form of a cam.

Here the cam can be formed separate from the motor and connected thereto via another transmission element of the power-transmission chain, in particular via a belt or the like. Such a configuration makes it possible for the motor and the cam to be accommodated in a seesaw housing so that good weight distribution and a high degree of stability of the training apparatus is achieved.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the cam to be arranged directly on an output shaft of the motor.

In a further development it is also proposed that the drive assembly does in fact have a power-transmission chain or a plurality of such power-transmission chains extending parallel to one another and acting in synchronism on the seesaw. This results in a very simple and thus economical construction of the training apparatus. The arrangement of a plurality of power-transmission chains acting in parallel and in synchronism on the seesaw has the advantage that the synchronous operation of the various power-transmission chains can be achieved very simply, in particular much more simply than with known counter-rotating power-transmission chains.

However, it may also be taken into consideration that the drive assembly has at least two power-transmission chains acting in push-pull mode on the seesaw. In this respect it would be possible to provided a drive unit of the type as known per se from EP 0 929 284 B1.

It is preferable to provide for the power-transmission chain or the respective power-transmission chains to comprise a lifting device acting on the seesaw and engaging on the underside thereof.

As a result of the elastic mounting of the seesaw in combination with the elastic connection of the transmission element it is possible to achieve a certain additional oscillation of the seesaw in different spatial directions depending of the adjusted seesaw amplitude and seesaw frequency. These oscillations are irregular with respect to the actual seesaw oscillation driven by the motor so that the person using the training apparatus, or his/her body, cannot be permanently adapted thereto, whereby it is possible to obviate an accustomising effect, as can be observed with only regular oscillations. This has a positive effect on the training effect. Such an oscillation which can be designated as a two-dimensional, preferably three-dimensional, oscillation and which is superimposed on the seesaw movement, is highly useful in particular for certain diseases, for example Parkinson's.

Three examples of embodiments of a training apparatus according to the invention will be illustrated in more detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a training apparatus from the rear (with the rear wall omitted);

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the drive unit of the training apparatus (with the seesaw omitted);

FIG. 3 shows a side view of drive unit according to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the training apparatus;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the training apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows an enlargement of the zone designated VI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a mounting suitable for all embodiments of the training apparatus;

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 5 to illustrate a movement path of the seesaw, which is superimposed on a pivoting movement and which can be advantageously achieved according to the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a variant of embodiment of the seesaw in FIG. 5 in an illustration corresponding to FIG. 8.

The training apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1 is assembled from a housing serving as a seesaw stand, with a base plate 1 which is disposed in a lower region and on which are secured a vertical front wall 20, a vertical rear wall 19 and vertical side walls 21 and 22 in such a way that the housing forms collectively an upwardly open box.

A drive unit in the form of an electric motor 2 is anchored to the base plate 1 by means of a plurality of fastenings 3. The drive shaft of the electric motor 2 carries a pulley 4. A spindle 6 is mounted in two bearings 8 and 9 parallel to the drive shaft of the electric motor 2 and spaced apart therefrom. A pulley 7 is mounted on the spindle 6 in alignment with the pulley 4. A belt 5 runs over the pulleys 4 and 7 and is preferably in the form of a toothed belt but may also be in form of a V-belt or a flat belt. Alternatively, the drive is also possible by means of a chain, cable, a gearwheel transmission, a bevel gear transmission or the like, wherein in the case of a bevel gear transmission the drive shaft of the electric motor 2 is arranged perpendicularly to the spindle 6.

The bearings 8 and 9 are also mounted on the base plate 1 by means of fastenings 10. In the vicinity of the bearings 8 and 9, two cam discs 11 and 12 respectively are mounted on the spindle 6. Respective eccentric pins 13 are arranged on the cam discs 11 and 12 parallel to the spindle 6 and in alignment with one another. The lower ends of respective pivot levers 14,14′ are rotatably mounted on the eccentric pins 13. The upper ends of both pivot levers 14,14′ are connected to the seesaw 16 by means of a respective leaf-spring element 50. Here the leaf-spring elements 50 are securely clamped both on the respective pivot lever 14,14′ and on the underside of the seesaw 16. When the pivot levers 14,14′ are caused to undergo an up-and-down movement by the rotation of the cam discs 11,12, the leaf-spring elements 50 transmit the driving forces to the seesaw 16 so that the latter is pivoted about the seesaw axis 23. Owing to its elastic deflection the leaf-spring element 50 thus damps shocks occurring in particular at the dead-centre position of the eccentric motion so that they are not transmitted directly and undamped to the seesaw and thus to the person standing thereon. Of course, the leaf-spring elements 50 have such dimensions that they can transmit the effective driving forces safely to the seesaw 16 so that the training apparatus can be operated reliably.

In this example of embodiment, a drive assembly has, starting from an electric motor 2, a power-transmission chain which is formed by the pulley 4, the belt 5, the pulley 7, the spindle 6, the two cams 11,12, the pivot levers 14,14′ formed as push rods and the leaf-spring elements 50. The power transmission is distributed in parallel at the spindle 6 to the two cams 11,12 and the two pivot levers 14,14′. The single power-transmission chain in the example of embodiment thus has transmission elements which are arranged parallel to one another which carry out the same movements in operation and which belong to the same single drive assembly in the example of embodiment.

In this embodiment, the seesaw 16 is mounted in its centre and on its underside by means of a seesaw shaft 30 which defines the seesaw axis 23 and which is mounted in a respective bearing 17 secured on the front wall 20 and on the rear wall 19 of the housing by means of fastenings 18. The seesaw 16 has a total length L of about 70 cm. The length L is slightly smaller than the distance apart of the side walls 21 and 22 so that the seesaw 16 is arranged almost flush with the upper edge of the housing but in relation to the side walls 21 and 22 respectively and to the front wall 20 and to the rear wall 19 has so much clearance that it can carry out an oscillating swinging or pivoting motion about its seesaw axis 23. However, the gaps between the side edges of the seesaw 16 and the walls 19,20,21 and 22 are kept small enough to ensure than no parts of the body or objects can become caught or jammed therein.

The amplitude of the oscillating swinging motion of the seesaw 16 depends on the magnitude of the distance of the eccentric pin 13 from the centre of the spindle 6. It also depends on the length of the pivot lever 14 or of the position of a connection 15 of the pivot levers on the seesaw. Preferably, the amplitude is variable from 1 mm to about 40 mm. Such variability of the amplitude can be brought about, for example, by a set of replaceable cam discs, the eccentric pins of which have different distances from the spindle 6. Furthermore, when the cams are used without variation, it is possible for the connection 15 to be fastened to the seesaw so as to be displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the seesaw axis. Such a releasable fastening could be achieved, for example, by mutually engagable complementary profiles, for example in the sense of detents or the like, on the connections and the seesaw. In this case, for secure location of the connections during operation, the profiles could be pressed together and clamped by a screw connection or the like. Finally, it is also provided for the pivot levers 14,14′ to be designed so that they are adjustable in length so as to set a central horizontality or inclination of the seesaw. Of course, for the necessary adjustment of the amplitude, combinations of the aforementioned adjustment possibilities are also possible on different transmission elements. The adjustment of such adjusting elements can be effected manually or automatically, for example using corresponding actuators. Of course, it is also possible, however, for the user to control the amplitude by placing his/her feet on the seesaw 16 to a greater or lesser extent to the right and left of the seesaw axis 23.

The possibility of adjusting the pivotal amplitude independently of the aforementioned change in the position of the feet on the seesaw has the advantage that the training effect can be enhanced while maintaining constant spacing of the feet which, in particular, is ideal and comfortable for the person. Moreover, by an adjustment of the amplitude independent of the foot position it is possible to prevent extreme loads on the seesaw which occur in particular when a person transmits all his/her weight to the outside of the seesaw owing to a very wide apart foot position.

Furthermore, the speed of rotation of the electric motor 2 is variable so that a range of approximately 3 to 70 Hz can be set for the frequency of the oscillating motion of the seesaw 16. The variation in speed of the electric motor 2 is preferably effected by a frequency converter.

The electric motor 2 and the lifting device with the spindle 6 are preferably arranged on different sides of the seesaw axis 23. In this case, the bearings 8 and 9 for the spindle 6 and the bearings 15 on the underside of the seesaw 16 are preferably arranged in the outer quarter of the length L, whereas the heavier electric motor 2 is disposed closer to the centre of the housing. Altogether a balanced weight distribution is achieved thereby, which facilitates the carrying of the training apparatus. The cam discs 11 and 12 or the spindle 6 can be provided with balance weights so as to prevent undesirable vibrations in the housing. The seesaw 16 is in the form of a stable plate, optionally with additional reinforcements, so that no oscillations can be caused by alternating bending loads.

In view of the forces acting on it, the seesaw 16 preferably takes the form of an aluminium plate which in the example of embodiment has bracings (not shown) on its underside. The orientation and dimensions of the bracings are so chosen here that the seesaw does not undergo any appreciable distortion and/or torsion as result of the unilateral parallel force transfer by means of the two pivot levers 14,141. The bracings are preferably formed by milling out recesses in the metal plate, which not only brings about the desired stiffness but also a reduction in weight.

The training apparatus is also preferably provided with the control device 24 which is indicated in FIG. 1 and which has a program memory 25 in which are stored a plurality of different training programs, each of which has a different time characteristic of the frequency and/or of the amplitude of the oscillating swinging motion of the seesaw 16 and which can be retrieved as and when required. By means of such a control device it would also be possible to activate the above-mentioned actuators of the adjusting elements for the purpose of amplitude variation.

However, in the variant equipped with a program memory 25 and also in a simpler variant, the user can manually adjust the frequency and/or the amplitude. The adjustment of the parameters is preferably effected at a handle which is not shown, which is known from the prior art mentioned in the introduction portion and which, for example, is fastened to the front wall 20 and extends approximately at breast height of the user. However, it may also be effected, for example by a rotary switch on a side wall 22 of the housing.

According to the second embodiment illustrated schematically in FIG. 4, the training apparatus also comprises an upwardly open housing with a base plate 1, on which are secured two side walls 21 and 22 and two front and rear walls (not shown). At a distance from the walls a seesaw 16 in the form of a rectangular plate is inserted into the open upper side of the housing. The seesaw 16 is mounted for rotation in its longitudinal centre by means of a seesaw shaft 30 in pivot bearings in the front and rear walls (not shown) and is induced to undergo an oscillating swinging motion about the seesaw axis 23 by a drive unit which will be described below. Only the differences with regard to the example of embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 will be explained below.

The drive unit comprises an electric motor 2 which is mounted on the base plate 1 below the seesaw 16 and to the right side thereof in FIG. 4. The speed of rotation of the electric motor 2 can be controlled and is connected via a cam to the underside of the seesaw 16 in the vicinity of the seesaw shaft 30 so as to transfer rotary force into the seesaw 16. Alternatively, the cam can be connected with the seesaw shaft 30 which is connected to the seesaw 16 in a manner precluding relative rotation. Finally, the advantageous principle of a central rotary drive of the seesaw 16 can also be accomplished by a direct drive of the seesaw shaft 30 or of the seesaw rotatably mounted thereon by a reversible electric motor.

The driven shaft of the electric motor 2 is securely connected to a cam disc 26 which carries an eccentric pin 27.

In the vicinity of the shaft 30 one end of a pivot lever 28 is securely connected with the underside of the seesaw 16. The other end of the pivot lever 28 is connected via a force-transmission rod 29 to the eccentric pin 27 of the cam disc 26. The force-transmission rod 29 is connected elastically by means of a leaf-spring element 52 to the lower end of the pivot lever 528 and the eccentric pin 27. The lower end of the pivot lever 28 is situated above the base plate 1 at a distance therefrom.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the power-transmission chain of the transmission unit comprises the cam disc 26 with its eccentric pin 27, the force-transmission rod 29, the leaf-spring element 52 and the pivot lever 28. Together with the motor 2, they form the single drive assembly. It is pointed out that the parallel arrangement of a second such transmission unit is also possible, which is either connected to the same motor (at the other end of the motor shaft) or to a synchronously operating second motor. Two power-transmission chains would thereby be provided, which extend parallel to one another and operate in synchronism.

Rotary motion of the electric motor 2 imparts rotation to the cam disc 26, the eccentric pin 27 of which entrains the end of the force-transmission rod 29 articulated thereto, the rotary motion of which is transmitted by means of the elastically acting leaf-spring element 52 to the lower end of the pivot lever 28. Since the upper end of the pivot lever 28 is located on the seesaw 16, the seesaw 16 is caused to rotate about its seesaw axis 23, which results in the oscillating pivoting or swinging motion of the seesaw 16. Owing to the leaf-spring element 52, damping of shocks is achieved here as in the first embodiment.

Of course, also in this embodiment it is possible to provide possibilities of adjustment on the transmission elements so that the amplitude of the pivoting motion can be adjusted.

In an analogous manner to that in the first embodiment, a training apparatus according to the second embodiment can be connected to a control device similar to that in FIG. 1 but not shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the training apparatus which differs from the first embodiment in that the seesaw 16 is retained elastically by means of at least one further leaf-spring element 54 on a support 56 attached to the housing of the training apparatus, in particular to the walls 19,20 or other stand assembly. The support 56 is here fastened to the front wall 19 and the rear wall 20 (cf. FIG. 2) and extends over the entire width of the housing. The leaf-spring element 54 is clamped at 58 to the upper side of the support 56 in the manner of a positive-engagement or preferably adhesive or cohesive connection. An outwardly facing end of the leaf-spring element 54 is clamped at 60 in the seesaw 16. The leaf-spring element 54 is free between these two clamping zones 58 and 60 and can be deformed to the left and right with reference to FIG. 6 so that pivoting of the seesaw 16 can take place as a result of the driving force transmitted by the pivot lever 14 to the seesaw 16. With a mounting of this type no stationary pivot axis is defined here, as is the case of a pivot mounting according to the embodiment in FIG. 1, since the extent of the deformation and the exact course of any deflection of the leaf-spring element 54 is influenced by different factors, for example such as the weight of the person standing on the seesaw, the position of the person's feet, seesaw frequency and lifting height. In such an embodiment, the seesaw also does not undergo a genuine rotating movement about a pivot axis but moves to the left and right in a translational manner to a certain extent along an arcuate course corresponding to the deformation of the leaf-spring element 54 distributed spatially between the support and the seesaw.

Advantageously, by means of the elastic mounting of the seesaw 16 according to the invention it can be achieved that the latter carries out a translational movement superimposed on the actual pivoting motion so that a reference point at one end of the seesaw follows a movement path corresponding to a horizontal figure of eight, as indicated by the movement path B in FIG. 8.

It is to be noted that, instead of leaf-spring elements extending in a vertical direction in cross-section, advantageously it is also possible to provide leaf-spring elements extending in a horizontal direction, in particular also in order to achieve especially effective cushioning in a vertical direction. The same applies to the elastic connection of the pivot lever to the seesaw so as to cushion the upper and lower reversal point (dead-centre position).

A plurality of series-connected spring elements, in particular leaf-spring elements, can be provided as in the variant of embodiment evident from FIG. 9. The pivot lever 14 is connected to the seesaw 16 via first, approximately horizontally oriented spring element 50 a, an intermediate part 14 a and a second, approximately vertically oriented leaf-spring element 50. The seesaw mounting is effected via a support 56 which is itself elastically mounted and which is retained elastically on the stand assembly 56 a via first leaf-spring elements 54 a extending approximately horizontally in cross-section. Moreover, a leaf-spring element 54 corresponding to the leaf-spring element 54 in FIG. 5 is operative between the support 56 and the seesaw 16.

It is to be noted that the pivoting movement does not require a large amount of travel at the seesaw ends in order to achieve a therapeutic effect. For example, with a seesaw of a length of 80 cm from one end to the other end, a maximum travel at the ends of approximately 12 mm can be provided. With regard to the translational movement of the seesaw it is possible to provide for a translational extent of approximately 2 mm superimposed on the pivoting movement to occur so that, in the case of the movement path B according to FIG. 8, the horizontal figure of eight has a length of approximately 2 mm. The depth of the seesaw may be 40 cm for example so that a plate with dimensions of 40×80 cm, for example, can be used to produce the seesaw.

In particular, the configuration of FIG. 9 is especially effective in cushioning and damping in a particularly effective manner peaks and reversals in the direction of movement.

The leaf-spring element 54 can be formed, like the support 1056, continuously from the front side to the rear side, in which case upon being clamped in the support 56 it is not directly connected to the housing. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of leaf-spring elements separate from one another in the support 56. A corresponding configuration arises on account of the operating conditions to be satisfied or maximum loads which act on such an elastic seesaw mounting during operation. The leaf-spring elements 54 could be designed accordingly.

In addition to the provision of one or more leaf-spring elements below the seesaw, it also possible to arrange one or more leaf-spring elements on the seesaw in such a way that they protrude on the front side or rear size of the seesaw and are directly connected to the housing. In such an arrangement a pivoting movement of the seesaw is made possible by a torsional deflection of the leaf-spring elements and, moreover, effective cushioning in a vertical direction can be simply achieved.

By using leaf-spring elements 50,52,54 according to the above-described embodiments in each case at least one swivel joint bearing assembly can be dispensed with, which makes possible a simplified and economical construction of the training apparatus. Moreover, maintenance costs are reduced because a mounting or connection by means of a leaf-spring element does not have wearing parts rubbing against one another and in which lubrication is necessary.

With reference to FIG. 7 a possibility is described of mounting the training apparatus on a substructure. The housing of the training apparatus, in particular its front wall 20 and its base plate 1, are illustrated schematically. The drive assembly or seesaw mounting accommodated in the housing can be designed in accordance with one of the above-described embodiments and will not be described in more detail here. The housing rests with its base plate 1 on four bearing elements 32, two of which are illustrated and which themselves are supported on a base plate 34 of the training apparatus. The base plate 34 is in turn supported in a slip-resistant manner by corresponding support feet 36 on the floor 38 so that the base plate 34 does not move relative to the floor 38 during seesaw operation. Of course, the bearing elements 32 are secured in a suitable manner to the base plate 1 of the housing or the base plate 34.

Tubular rubber parts are used as the bearing elements 32, wherein the two rubber parts 32 illustrated are aligned differently in relation to the front wall 20 so that movements of the housing in horizontal spatial directions disposed orthogonally to one another can be uniformly accommodated. Of course, it is also possible, however, for all the rubber parts of such a mounting to be equally aligned.

A retaining device 40 is mounted on the base plate 34 and has two rods 42 which extend vertically upwardly from the base plate 34 and which are joined together at their upper ends via a horizontal connecting member 44. Since the retaining device 40 is connected to the base plate 34, the housing and the seesaw mounted therein can move or swing freely relative to the base plate 34 and the retaining device 40, in particular with three spatial degrees of freedom.

The above-described mounting of the housing enables the housing and the seesaw connected thereto to swing in any spatial direction desired, wherein these oscillations have to be balanced out by the body of the person standing on the seesaw, which has a positive influence on the training effect for the person.

The irregularity of the oscillations induced by the mounting of the housing can be intensified in particular with an elastic mounting of the seesaw (cf. FIGS. 5 and 6), so that the training effect can be further assisted in an advantageous manner.

A visual display unit (not shown), in particular a touch screen, or other interface appliance can be attached to the connecting member 44 and is connected with the control device 24 illustrated in FIG. 1, and makes it possible the adjustment of the control device 24 by the person standing on the seesaw. Of course, the rods 42 and the connecting member 44 can also be formed in one piece with one another. The retaining device 40 simplifies for the person using the training apparatus the stepping-on and off of the seesaw mounted in a floating manner relative to the floor 38. The retaining device also make possible for the person to keep a firm hold during the seesawing, in the event that he/she temporarily cannot hold the balance or if an adjustment of the seesaw frequency and/or amplitude is carried out. 

1. A training apparatus for the stimulation and training of the locomotor system of a person, comprising a seesaw (16) supporting the person and pivotable with respect to a seesaw stand (19,20,21,22), and also a drive assembly with at least one motor (2) and a transmission unit having transmission elements (5,6,7,11,12,13,14,14′), wherein the transmission elements (5,6,7,11,12,13,14,14′) form at least one power-transmission chain between the seesaw (16) and the motor (2), wherein at least one transmission element (14,14′;29) is elastically connected to the seesaw (16) or to a lever element (28) securely connected to the seesaw (16).
 2. A training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the elastic connection is such that the transmission element (14) has at least two different degrees of freedom of elastic movement relative to the seesaw or to the lever element.
 3. A training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elastic connection is such that the transmission element (14) has at least one degree of freedom of elastic pivotal movement relative to the seesaw (16) or to the lever element.
 4. A training apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the elastic connection is such that the transmission element (14) has at least one degree of freedom of elastic movement in the power-transmission direction, in particular for the cushioning of the pivoting movement imparted to the seesaw (16) in operation via the power-transmission chain, in particular at the movement direction reversal points.
 5. A training apparatus according to any one of claim 4, wherein for the elastic connection there is provided at least one leaf-spring element (50;52;50,50 a) which makes possible relative pivotability between the seesaw (16) and the transmission element (14,14′;29) and/or a cushioning of the pivoting movement imparted to the seesaw (16) in operation, in particular at the movement direction reversal points thereof.
 6. A training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least one leaf-spring element (50;52;50,50 a) is itself a transmission element of the power-transmission chain, via which driving forces can be transmitted to the seesaw (16).
 7. The training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein for the elastic connections at least two leaf-spring elements (50,50 a) are provided, which are connected in series and which can be deflected elastically in different directions which are preferably orthogonal to one another.
 8. The training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the seesaw (16) is mounted elastically relative to the seesaw stand (19,20,21,22,56;56 a).
 9. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elastic mounting of the seesaw is such that the seesaw (16) has at least two different degrees of freedom of elastic movement relative to the seesaw stand (19,20,21,22,56;56 a).
 10. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the seesaw (16) has at least one degree of freedom of elastic pivoting movement relative to the seesaw stand (19,20,21,22,56;56 a).
 11. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elastic connection is of a kind that the seesaw (16) has at least one degree of freedom of elastic movement in a longitudinal direction of the seesaw relative to the seesaw stands (19,20,21,22,56;56 a), in particular so as to make possible a translational seesaw movement superimposed on the pivoting movement of the seesaw.
 12. The training apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a translational movement of the seesaw (16) occurs relative to the seesaw stand such that one point on a seesaw end, which is moving up and down during the pivoting movement according to a maximum movement travel, moves at least approximately on a path (B) corresponding to a horizontal figure of eight.
 13. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elastic connection is such that the seesaw (16) has at least one degree of freedom of elastic movement in a vertical direction of the training apparatus relative to the seesaw stand (56 a), in particular for cushioning the pivoting movement imparted to the seesaw in operation, in particular at its movement direction reversal points.
 14. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein for the elastic mountings at least one leaf spring element (54;54,54 a) is provided which ensures a possibility of relative pivoting movement between the seesaw (16) and the seesaw stand (19,20,21,22,56;56 a) and/or a possibility of translational movement of the seesaw (16) in its longitudinal direction relative to the seesaw stand (19,20,21,22,56;56 a) and/or a possibility of movement of the seesaw (16) relative to the seesaw stand (56 a) in a/the vertical direction of the training apparatus.
 15. The training apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one leaf-spring element (54;54,54 a) is retained on the seesaw side and/or on the stand side and the possibility of pivoting movement and/or of translational movement and/or of movement in the vertical direction of the seesaw (16) relative to the seesaw stand (19,20,21,22,56;56 a) is provided by a deflection of the leaf-spring element (54) or at least one of a plurality of leaf-spring elements (54,54 a), in particular a bending or torsional deflection of the leaf-spring element (54) or of the respective leaf-spring element in respect of the possibility of pivoting movement and, in particular, bending deflection of the leaf-spring element (54) or of the respective leaf-spring element (54;54 a) in respect of the possibility of translational movement or the possibility of movement in a vertical direction.
 16. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein for the elastic mounting, at least two series-connected leaf-spring elements (54,54) are provided which can be elastically deflected in different directions which are preferably orthogonal to one another.
 17. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein for the mounting of the seesaw (16), the seesaw stand (19,20) includes a support (56) which extends transversely to and under the seesaw (16), and which is retained rigidly on a stand assembly (19,20) of the seesaw stand.
 18. The training apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the mounting of the seesaw (16) comprises a support (56) which extends transversely to and under the seesaw, and which is retained elastically on a stand assembly (56 a) of the seesaw stand.
 19. The training apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the support (56) is retained on the stand assembly (56 a) by means of at least one leaf-spring element (54 a) which can preferably be deflected in a vertical direction.
 20. The training apparatus according to claim 19, wherein a single leaf-spring element (54) or a plurality of leaf-spring elements separate from another is/are clamped along the support (56) on the underside of the seesaw and on the support (56).
 21. The training apparatus according to claim 5, wherein that the leaf-spring element (50;50 a;52;54;54 a) is made from metal, in particular from steel.
 22. The training apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the leaf-spring element (50;50 a;52; 54;54 a) between the transmission element (14,14′) and the seesaw (16) or lever element (29) or between the seesaw (16) and seesaw stand or support (56) is of length of approximately 1.0 to 3.0 cm, preferably approximately 1.5 to 2.0 cm.
 23. The training apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the leaf-spring element (50;50 a;52; 54;54 a) is designed with a material thickness of less than 5.0 mm, preferably of approximately 1.5 mm.
 24. A training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elastically connected transmission element (14,14′;29) is a push rod/tie rod which, with respect to the power-transmission chain, is connected in an articulated manner at its end nearest the motor to a transmission element in the form of a cam (6,13;26).
 25. A training apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the cam (6,13) is formed separate from the motor (2) and connected thereto via another transmission element (5) of the power-transmission chain, in particular via a belt or the like.
 26. A training apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the cam (26) is arranged directly on an output shaft of the motor (2).
 27. A training apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the drive assembly does in fact have a power-transmission chain or a plurality of such power-transmission chains extending parallel to one another and acting in synchronism on the seesaw (16).
 28. A training apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the drive assembly has at least two power-transmission chains acting in push-pull mode on the seesaw.
 29. The training apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the power-transmission chain or the respective power-transmission chain comprises a lifting device acting on the seesaw and engaging on the underside thereof. 